Dougherty County School System seeks re-accreditation

Members of the Dougherty County School System attend the presentation. / Matt Prichard

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 18:57:50 GMT —

The Dougherty County School Board met Wednesday to discuss the Title 1 funds budget, and a potential accreditation from the Advanced-Ed group.

"To have that accreditation to say that we're doing what we're supposed to do, it doesn't mean we're doing everything we're supposed to do, but we're doing what we're supposed to do for our children here in this district," said Superintendent, Dr. Joshua Murfree.

Advanced-Ed began their surveying process on Monday interviewing over 300 faculty, parents, and students. The survey system is based on seven categories (listed below), and is set on a scale of 1-4 with four being the highest:

1. Equitable Learning Environment - score: 2.80

2. High Expectations Environment - score: 2.70

3. Supportive Learning Environment - score: 2.90

4. Active Learning Environment - score: 2.90

5. Progressive Monitoring Environment - score: 2.40

6. Well Managed Learning Environment - score: 2.40

7. Digital Learning Environment - score: 1.90

The Dougherty County School System consistently matched scores from other districts, leading Advanced-Ed officials to recommend DCSS for re-accreditation. Chairman James Bush says this is an important move for both the district and its students.

"It's very important and I think it boils down to one thing that it's the children, that's who it's all about," said Bush.

Dr. Murfree shared Bush's sentiments, stating that surveys like these allow him to do his job at a higher level.

"It's just saying allow me as the superintendent to be the superintendent, allow the board members to be the board, and we also focus on our children because that's going to be the key, at the end of the day it's all about the children," said Dr. Murfree.

Although the recommendation has been put through, Advanced-Ed still needs to approve the accreditation for it to be official. The board also approved the 2012-2013 Title 1 budget during the meeting, with the condition that it can be revised as necessary later on in the year.